Dog casting for opera: greyhounds convinced
lifestyle
The Salzburg State Theater was looking for two extravagant, elegant and well-behaved dogs for a performance in Richard Strauss’ opera Der Rosenkavalier. Several animal talents have faced the casting – two greyhounds have convinced.
A walk across the stage is the task for the hopeful, four-legged candidates. 15 fur noses presented themselves to the casting and proved to be easier, the task sounds like it actually is – the dogs are supposed to accompany the elegant field marshal across the stage in the Rosenkavalier, so appropriate behavior and the right charisma is also required from the four-legged friends.
Director is looking for “daredevil character”
“I’m looking for daredevil characters – who walk across the stage whenever, no matter what sounds and is sung around them. They have to go through the scene with a cool look and fighting spirit,” says director Roland Schwab.
“Stress test” with a loud audio sample by Richard Strauss
In order to check whether they were suitable for opera, the dogs were given a loud audio sample of Richard Strauss at the casting. Most four-legged friends were not disturbed by this, however. On the other hand, some were irritated by the presence of the many competitors – but there is also competition in the dog show business: “My dog is relatively relaxed and I know that when something matters, he is very attentive,” says the dog owner Susanne Nobis from Seekirchen looks up.
Greyhounds Jago and Merlin convinced
“My dogs were rather nervous because there were many other dogs – the loud music didn’t bother them,” dog owner Nicole Masser from Salzburg was positive that her two greyhounds, Jago and Merlin, could meet the required requirements. And indeed, the two greyhounds from Salzburg were able to convince the jury and will be allowed to stride across the stage of the Felsenreitschule from October 1st.